Michael Morris graduated from Auckland University with a PhD in zoology. He conducted post-doctoral work in Japan and New Zealand and then worked in the New Zealand public service, and as a university lecturer in Japan and New Zealand.

Michael’s research interests are in the ethics and politics surrounding animal welfare in New Zealand. He also has interests in protecting the New Zealand environment, especially from the ravages of intensive animal based agriculture. He has recently published a book critical of factory farming in New Zealand.

Michael has been an animal rights activist and advocate, using his skills in biology to write scientific articles condemning animal cruelty, and his public policy background to lobby politicians, select committees and others for decent treatment of animals. He has also been a union delegate in various workplaces, and sees exploitation of animals, workers and the environment as part of the same problem; a problem that requires political rather than technological solutions.

As someone who has political opinions and an educational philosophy different from the mainstream, Michael has had experience with hostile workplace cultures. As a union representative and advocate he has also had to contend with anti-union sentiment among some of the worst employers.